Public concern over pesticide use in public schools has increased greatly over the last decade. With increasing regulations and restrictions on pesticide use in schools, alternative methods of pest management must be found. Assessment of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and conventional pest control practices (i.e. calendar based base-board sprays of residual pesticides) was conducted in nine North Carolina schools over a one-year period. The IPM program was designed within the constraints of the schools’ existing pest control contract. The two treatments were compared based on the cost of service, duration of service, efficacy of cockroach suppression, and pesticide resides. Within the limitations of the existing pest control contract, the IPM service was similar to the conventional service in cost, implementation time, and pest suppression. However, pesticide residues on exposed surfaces within the reach of children were significantly lower in IPM schools than in schools under conventional pest control services. Our study suggests that an IPM approach would minimize exposure of children and staff to pesticides. Coupled with its efficacy and cost effectiveness, IPM is therefore a preferable alternative to conventional pest control services in a school environment.
Species 1: Dictyoptera Blattellidae Blattella germanica (German cockroach)
Keywords: German cockroach, School IPM
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA